On a hot summer’s day the Thames towpath between Kew Bridge and Mortlake Crematorium is stippled with sunlight spilling through willow fronds and shading oaks. Birdsong twitters above the rumble of a District line train crossing Kew Railway Bridge. Although, in London, the leafy towpath resembles a pastoral idyll. Cyclists weave around strolling couples and families straggling with scooters and pushchairs.

In deepest, darkest winter, lamplight from the north bank is absorbed in the black waters and only joggers and dog walkers brave the towpath.

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Chapter 1 – Monday 4th January 2016

Stella Darnell headed smartly along Shepherd’s Bush Green, trim in a green waxed jacket, wool-lined collar zipped to her chin against the searing wind, flat-soled black-leather ankle boots clipping on the frosty pavement, a styled pixie bob framing a lightly made-up complexion. A leather rucksack on one shoulder. A diminutive apricot poodle, shaggy and unstyled, ‘Crufts-trotted’ at her heel.

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Clicking on the book’s cover image will link you directly with it’s Amazon listing.

Being the dog person that I am, I had to look up the expression “Crufts-trotted”. While I didn’t find that exactly, I gather it’s related to a big dog show you have there, much like our Westminster show here. I’m imagining the dog moving as if being led around the ring.

It does sound interesting, but probably not one to be read as a stand-alone based on what you replied to my comment in your last post about this book.

Yes Indeed! ‘Crufts’ is a annual dog show, which having checked out a video clip, is almost identical in format to your own ‘Westminster’ show.

Whenever we watch a dog show, whether it be a massive event like ‘Crufts’ on the television, or the dog show at a local fete, I can never help but smile when I recall the old adage that dogs look like their owners, especially when it is so often the case! (present compant excepted of course 🙂 )

I have been able to check out the latest reviews for the books in this series and the unanimous decision seems to favour that the books can be read quite happily as stand alone stories, although the first book does tend to bring the characters together and to life, however careful reading of the full premise appears to offer enough information to get you informed and started.

I am looking forward to hosting my spot on Lesley’s virtual blog tour on April 30th. Her guest post copy has literally just hit my in box, so I can’t wait to get started reading.

First Lines

Three Mills, East London, 1870 The last sack of grain swung perilously over Effie’s head as it was hoisted into the House Mill on the banks of the River Lea. The narrow-boat rose a little higher in the water as if relieved to be divested of it’s heavy cargo, and a thick layer of dust […]

Random Quote

Reading honest literature makes you love the world. Knowledge and understanding are love. Reading educates our feelings and enhances our sympathy. When you read for understanding, you are fundamentally changed. You are a different person at the end of the story or the novel than you were when it began